Sorry for delayed reply, stupid computer has been saying no.
I can't remember her books in detail, but do remember being completely wrapped up in them. I love the way Lulu Lamartine turns up in a story when you least expect it, much the way Calypso does in Mary Wesley's books. I called my hamster Lulu after her.

Lemurtamer you're a genius! Louise Erdrich was a major passion of mine about 15 years ago - i'd completely forgotten about her until now. She's not nearly as well known as she should be. I think Love Medicine was the first and the best of the four, perhaps it should be that one.

I'm not sure if the following are unsung, but I enjoyed them very much. Louise Eridrich's Love Medicine quartet, though can't remember which is my favourite.
Two in a similar vein are E M Delafied The Diary of a Provincial Lady and Jan Struther Mrs Miniver. They are drily funny and entertaining, and as far as I can remember Mrs Miniver doesn't go down the sentimental road that the film does.
Another book is Peter Abelard by Helen Waddell, but this seems to be out of print, so no good.

thanks everyone, am compiling list now - we have a great mix of genres, styles, plots etc so will be a completely eclectic and very cool selection for April.

Effie, the dorothy sayers looks great. Think it might be more fun to include that one as Moon's a Balloon is (relatively) more famous.

I'll pop up the page Wednesday next week - anyone who still wants to put a book forward should put it up here before Monday if poss..

I love Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, too
I also adore Jim Dodge

Elizabeth von Arnim - not the fluffy ones like The Enchanted April, but the darker ones like Mr Skeffington and Vera.

ooh have to check that one out ep

there another, specifically about Hollywood, called Bring On The Empty Horses. V good as well

my dad gave me that david niven book, haven't read it all yet!

i still love the private papers of eastern jewel, which no one else seems to have read

I am also v fond of this author

www.amazon.co.uk/Setons-O-Douglas/dp/B000UH5YWC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205155708&sr=8-1

but mostly out of print and def a niche taste